If there’s one profession in fashion where emotional intelligence is paramount, it’s this one. Far from clichés, sales consultants embody the liveliest and perhaps most human face of this huge industry.
To paint a multi-faceted portrait of this hands-on profession, FashionUnited decided to speak to those who see sales as a place of growth and expertise. First up is Léa Siboni, sales consultant for the luxury brand The Row.
To introduce your profession: Which term do you prefer and how long have you been practicing it?
I now call myself a sales consultant and have been active in this role for almost two years.
What was your first sales job like?
I held several positions in retail, such as store manager and global retail coordinator, before deciding to go into ‘pure’ sales as a sales consultant.
My first job in sales was managing the Nodaleto area [Am.d.Red: in Paris ansässiges Luxus-Schuhlabel]which is currently at Printemps Haussmann [Am.d.Red: Kaufhaus in Paris] had opened. That was towards the end of my studies at the fashion school Institut Français de la Mode. In between, I worked in communications for a year. Before IFM, I completed a Masters in Cultural Project Management at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne [Am.d.Red: Universität in Paris] made.
Becoming a sales consultant wasn’t something I planned, but it ultimately suited my personality and lifestyle best.
Do you have good memories of your first interview?
The conversation focused mainly on personality and customer experience, which was very often the case in my interviews. They were always pleasant conversations that I would often describe as exchanges.
What was the best advice a manager gave you early in your career?
The best advice I was given was to pay attention to everything the client says, such as where she lives, her lifestyle and her activities. Every detail may seem insignificant, but it is actually very important in our profession.
What motivates you to get up in the morning?
The team I work in. We have a very good time together.
Could you describe what ‘sales joy’ means to you?
In my case, it’s the adrenaline rush of achieving high sales by accurately understanding the customer’s wishes and expectations. In everyday life, I love to go beyond myself and combine this with the satisfaction of my customers. I like performance.
What was the most unexpected or memorable sale you closed?
Before joining The Row, I worked for Dover Street Market. This alternative location allowed me to meet many people from the creative and sports scene. There I was able to make my first memorable sales and also get to know international personalities.
Do you have any favorite customers?
Yes, I have a special relationship with some of my customers. Since it is a job with direct contact, in my opinion sympathy inevitably arises. When we have common passions like art or fashion, it strengthens the bond.
What technical skill have you honed the most over the years?
My knowledge of materials has improved significantly. Since I mainly studied management, I hadn’t delved into these aspects.
What qualities or skills are you particularly proud of in your job?
I would say patience. Both towards customers and in your own learning process. You don’t become a good salesperson overnight. They are skills that take time to acquire.
How do you train your eye every day to always suggest the perfect silhouette to your customers?
I would say by watching a lot of fashion shows. This helps to train your eye for new trends and to be able to suggest beautiful silhouettes.
What do you not suspect about the job?
Many people view this job as a ‘transitional job’. It is a real profession that plays a key role in the fashion and luxury sector. It can also open up great future prospects if you want to develop further. Unfortunately, this is not explained often enough in fashion schools. I regret that this profession still has a bad reputation among many people, even within our industry.
Going into retail, even though it wasn’t my original plan, was the best career decision I could have made. I was able to try out different professions. For example, I was boutique manager for Nodaleto or Coperni and global retail coordinator for Jacquemus, where, among other things, I was involved in the opening of the first boutique. I also took part in Dior’s Retail Leadership Program and was a sales consultant at the opening of the first Dover Street Market in Paris. I can only recommend going into retail and especially as a sales consultant.
This interview was conducted in writing.
This article was created using digital tools translated.
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